Bike-sharing in Singapore: Mobike, oBike and ofo put to the test

TNP PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Now that the plan for a government-led bike-sharing scheme has been scrapped, it is time to take a closer look at the three private companies which have set up shop here. THE NEW PAPER tests Mobike, oBike and ofo

Two days after the latest bike-sharing platform, Mobike, launched here, the Government announced it would scrap its plan for a national bike-sharing scheme.

The Land Transport Authority, which had already attracted tenders for the scheme, said on Friday, March 24, that it has “reassessed” its plan as the three private companies, Mobike, oBike and ofo, are looking to roll out “many thousands” of bicycles over the next two years.

The companies said they are actively working with partners so that their bikes can be parked at public racks, after the East Coast-Fengshan Town Council recently objected to bikes being parked at its public racks for “rental business”.

There are teething problems – Mobike’s GPS led our reporters on a wild goose chase for bikes around the island, and some ofo bikes we found could not be unlocked using the app.

ofo

EASE OF RENTAL AND PAYMENT

Unlike its competitors, ofo does not have a GPS system. I had to visit several MRT stations before I found an ofo bike.

Rating: Nil

RIDING THE BIKE

The gear chains were oiled but not greasy, and the bike seat had ample space for me.

But the front handle and adjustable seat of the bike shifted whenever the bike experienced a significant bump.

ofo bikes offer three gear changes as opposed to the usual single gear bikes their competitors offer. Do not get your hopes up too high because these bikes are not built for speed.

Rating: 3/5

TNP PHOTOS: PHYLLICIA WANG, JONATHAN LEE

EASE OF RETURN

The return of the bike was simple. ofo’s return policy states that the bicycle should be parked in a safe location where bicycle parking is permitted in accordance with the local traffic rules, for use by the next person.

You end the trip by pressing a button on the app, and manually lock the wheel using a lever.

The return was far more pleasant than the rental.

Rating: 4/5

VALUE FOR MONEY

The pricing for ofo will be $0.50 per trip, but the rides are free for now.

Rating: 5/5

OVERALL

ofo bikes are wallet-friendly, and they provide users with a decent riding experience.

But it was so difficult to find one that it wasn’t worth the time and effort.

Mobike

EASE OF RENTAL AND PAYMENT

The Mobike app, available on Apple and Android devices, is easy to download.

There is a refundable $49 deposit and the Mobike Wallet can be topped up using a credit or debit card.

Locating the bike is meant to be easy using the app, which also allows you to reserve one for up to 15 minutes. But as we reported last week, eight out of 10 times, the bikes could not be found at their shown locations.

Rating: 2/5

TNP PHOTOS: PHYLLICIA WANG, JONATHAN LEE

RIDING THE BIKE

The Mobikes are light and the attached basket is handy. The built-in headlights and reflectors are helpful for late-night rides. But the current crop of Mobikes do not allow for the seat to be adjusted and they do not have gears.

Rating: 3/5

EASE OF RETURN

Mobikes can be returned at any public bike parking areas, such as those around MRT stations and HDB void decks. When a latch on the lock near the wheel is pulled, the app recognises that the ride is completed.

To discourage irresponsible bike behaviour, Mobike has a credit system that awards points for each ride, but it also deducts points for irresponsible parking or usage.

Rating: 4/5

VALUE FOR MONEY

Mobike charges $1 for every 30 minutes of use. Each time I top up, I get a number of free rides (as long as the ride is under 30 minutes), encouraging me to continue biking.

Rating: 3/5

OVERALL

Lighter and faster than its competitors here, Mobike has the potential to become the better option once the app instructions and GPS are fully optimised for Singapore use and usage charges become more flexible.